Loving Tessa (January Cove) by Rachel Hanna Read Free Book Online Page B

already. It’s given me something to focus on, to look forward to. That kid is a ball of energy, and I need that right now. I need a friend who understands and isn’t a family member.”
     
    “You want me to be your friend?” she asked with her eyes wide.
     
    “Well, it would be nice since I’d like to be your friend,” he said.
     
    “I feel like we should be passing a note in class. Will you be my friend? Check yes or no,” she said.
     
    “So? Are you checking yes or no?” he asked.
     
    “Okay, fine. But if we start to put you at risk or become a huge hassle in your life, promise you'll tell me.”
     
    “I promise,” he said and then shook her hand. For a moment, they stood still staring at each other like each one knew a secret but didn't want to say it.
     
    “So, I'm going to go give my brother a call and make sure that they aren’t busy today, and then we’ll pack up and head over to the beach. Sound good?”
     
    “Yes, that's fine. But, I do need to go over and get some things from the camper, sunscreen and such.”
     
    “Okay. Just make sure that you keep your eyes open. Even though I don't know what you're scared of, I know that it requires you to be alert.”
     
    “Aaron, I appreciate everything you've done so far. Honestly, if I hadn’t met you when I did…”
     
    “Let's try not to even think about that, okay?” She nodded and then headed towards the door. Aaron sat down at the kitchen table and dialed Kyle's number. While he was sitting there, he watched Tyler continue to eat his breakfast like he was a grown man. That kid could certainly put away some food!
     
    Kyle answered in his usually cheerful voice. He’d become a totally different person since he found Jenna again. They were madly in love and had created the perfect small family. Aaron expected them to announce their engagement any day now, and he knew that Kyle would want to have a big family with her. He was so jealous yet so happy for his brother.
     
    “Hey man. How's it going?” Aaron asked.
     
    “It's going great. To what do I owe this pleasure?” Kyle said with a chuckle.
     
    “Listen, I was wondering if you guys mind if we used the private beach today?”
     
    “We?”
     
    “Yeah. I've got a new friend here at the campground, and I wanted to bring her and her son over for the day.” Aaron knew that the wheels were already spinning in his brother’s head even though he was trying his best to sound completely nonchalant about the whole thing.
     
    “A new friend, huh?” Kyle said in a teasing tone.
     
    “Don't start. She's just a friend. She's had a rough time lately, and her kid got hurt last night on the beach behind the campground. I don’t want to take her back down to that area since it has some bad memories that are too fresh. Anyway, we didn't want to be out on a crowded beach with him running around because it's harder to pay attention to him.” Aaron felt bad lying to his brother, but he was pretty impressed with himself for coming up with such a story on short notice.
     
    “Sure, you know you can come over anytime. Jenna and I are going to be gone today. Mom is keeping her daughter so that we can get a little alone time, if you know what I mean.” Aaron laughed at his brother’s obvious joke.
     
    “Thanks. We’ll probably be by in about an hour, and we might stay until sometime after lunch.”
     
    “Sounds good. Enjoy.” Kyle said. The brothers hung up the phone just as Tyler was finishing up his breakfast.
     
    “What's your name?” Tyler asked cocking his head as he drank his orange juice and stared at Aaron.
     
    “My name is Aaron Parker.” Being the youngest, Aaron had never really been around kids much. He was always the baby of the family, and he wasn’t totally sure how to interact with a three year old.
     
    “Do I call you Aaron or do I call you Mr. Parker?” Tyler asked between slurps of his drink. He was pretty astute for three year old, especially one who had